Written Answers To Questions
Wednesday, 5th November, 1958
Royal Air Force
Recruitment
11.
asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent the recruiting figures of the last three months indicate that there is no shortage of volunteers for the Royal Air Force.
The improvement in the earlier months of the year has been maintained and the general level of recruitment is satisfactory. The usual drop during the summer months has this year been avoided. We still face difficulties, however, in particular trades.
Unidentified Flying Objects
asked the Secretary of State for Air to what extent official records are kept of sightings of unidentified flying objects; what Departments within the Air Ministry exist solely to collate information on this question; and to what extent this information suggests that some of the unidentified phenomena may not originate from this planet.
If a report of an unidentified flying object has a bearing on the air defence of this country it is investigated and the results recorded. No staff are employed whole-time on the task. Although some of the objects have not been identified for lack of data, nothing suggests that they are other than mundane.
Aircraft Accidents (Rescue Facilities)
asked the Secretary of State for Air what steps are taken by his Department to initiate rescue arrangements in the event of aircraft accidents, whether civil or military, outside but within a reasonable distance of the territorial waters of the United Kingdom.
R.A.F. rescue facilities are brought to immediate readiness as soon as an alert is declared by a United Kingdom air traffic control centre. As soon as help is requested, search and rescue action is taken including the despatch of aircraft where appropriate. In the case of civil aircraft in distress near the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom's responsibility for search and rescue is limited to British national Flight Information Regions. But we always do our best to meet requests to supplement search and rescue arrangements in adjoining regions.
Roads
Purfleet-Dartford Tunnel
20.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made with the Purfleet-Dartford Tunnel; and when it is hoped it will be open to traffic.
Nearly three-quarters of the under-river part of the tunnel has been driven and steady progress has been made on the project generally. The tunnel should be open to traffic on schedule in 1962.
A30 And A303
26.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans he has for improving the A.30 and A.303 roads to the far south west, in view of their inadequacy for the present volume of traffic in both winter and summer.
As a first step towards improving the route to the far south west, I have made the A.303 road between Dummer Down and Honiton a trunk road, because it will be easier to improve than the parallel length of A.30, which has now ceased to be a trunk road. Individual schemes for improving the route include the Staines By-pass, the construction of which is due to start next year, and by-passes for Andover, Amesbury, Honiton and Launceston, which are now being planned. Expenditure on smaller improvement schemes along the route is now running at a rate of about £200,000 a year.
Medway By-Pass (Land)
49.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is satisfied that the interests of non-objectors over whose land the proposed Medway by-pass road will cross have been adequately safeguarded; and if he will make a statement.
Yes. Both those who objected to the Scheme and those who did not will be equally protected by the current legislation governing land acquisition, when it becomes necessary to buy their land.
Motorways (Sales Of Alcohol)
52.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is his policy in regard to allowing the sale of alcohol in premises situated along the new motorways.
This is one of the points I am considering in connection with the development of service areas on motorways, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
Whipps Cross, Leyton (Pedestrian Crossings)
53.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the completion of road construction in the vicinity of Whipps Cross in the Borough of Leyton and of the fact that no further pedestrian crossings have been provided on that thoroughfare, what consideration has been given to the necessity of providing such crossings, particularly in view of the fact that the thoroughfare there has now a speed limit of 40 miles per hour and is heavily used both by cars and lorries.
It is for the Leyton Borough Council, as the responsible highway authority, to propose whatever measures of this kind it thinks appropriate for this road.
Eastern Avenue Extension (Houses)
61.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what is the basis of compensation for, or what are the proposals to re-house, those householders in the borough of Leyton who will lose their homes as a result of the prospective extension of the Eastern Avenue through that borough, particularly as the borough corporation is unable to provide that re-housing.
The basis for compensation will be determined by the legislation operative at the time of acquisition. The difficult problem of rehousing is being considered at the present time, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
Accidents
55.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will state, as a percentage increase or decrease in the last 20 years, the rate of road casualties amongst pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motor-vehicle drivers, and passengers, respectively.
Over the past 20 years pedestrian and pedal cyclist casualties have fallen by 23 per cent. and 26 per cent., respectively. Driver and passenger casualties have risen by 107 per cent. and 63 per cent. respectively.
56.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation in what percentage of road accidents pedestrians are involved.
About 25 per cent.
Road Schemes
62.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will ensure that all road schemes which have been prepared for some time are brought up to date by incorporating all modern principles of design before their construction is authorised.
This is general practice except where last minute alterations, which are not fundamental in character, would seriously delay the start of work on a scheme.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will give a list of road schemes each costing over £50,000 which local authorities have been asked to prepare.
The fact that schemes are being prepared does not mean that constructional work will begin at any particular time. A list might, therefore, be misleading. Moreover, as I have said on a number of occasions, I do not propose to issue lists of schemes far in advance of work on them starting.
Expenditure
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will state the expenditure on new roads and major improvements for the year ended 31st March, 1958, in England and Wales from Exchequer funds and by local highway authorities, respectively.
The amount paid by the Exchequer for new construction and major improvement on the roads during the year ended 31st March, 1958, amounted to £23,571,995. I am informed that during the same period the expenditure by local highway authorities was £6,618,000.
Transport
Farm Tractors
37.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he will amend the law which prevents a farm tractor carrying a transport box or buck-rake from being driven on the roads under a £2 licence.
As a farm tractor with a £2 licence is allowed to make limited use of the roads for hauling a load on a trailer, we accept that there are arguments for allowing a tractor with a loaded transport box or buckrate a similar concession. We are considering the possibility of legislating to cover the point, but it is a complex and difficult one, and up to date we have not been able to find a satisfactory solution.
Highway Code
57.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation at what places the Highway Code is on sale; whether he is satisfied with the distribution of it to those places, and with the exhibition of it for sale at bookstalls, &c.; and if he will make a statement.
The Highway Code is on sale at H.M. Stationery Office bookshops and at many other bookshops throughout the country. H.M. Stationery Office holds ample stocks of the Code, and supplies may be purchased wholesale by any bookseller. This is the normal arrangement for Government publications and seems to me satisfactory. The extent of the Code's display on bookstalls is a matter for the retailer concerned; whilst I am grateful for what is being done, naturally I always hope for more.
Railways
Finances
51.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of recent trends in goods traffic receipts of British Railways, what the amount of the advances to be made, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2 of the Transport (Railway Finances) Act, 1957, against the British Transport Commission's deficit, is likely to be.
63.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action is to be taken following the consultations he has had with the British Transport Commission concerning its financial position, under the Transport (Railway Finances) Act, 1957.
Passenger receipts are good but freight receipts have been badly hit in recent months by an unexpected fall in bulk traffics due to conditions in the coal and steel industries. I have been in close consultation with the Chairman of the Commission about these developments. Although the exact amount cannot be known until after the end of the year, I understand that as a result of the fall in bulk traffics the deficit which must now be expected is of the order of £85 million or about £20 million over that for 1957. He has given me a full report on the subject which includes an undertaking to secure further large reductions in working costs to meet the position. I have informed him that in these circumstances the Government would be prepared to advance the necessary funds to the Commission under the Transport (Railway Finances) Act, 1957.I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Chairman's full report to me, which also contains his views on future prospects, and also a copy of my letter to him, which sets out the Government's attitude in the matter. They are as follows:29th September, 1958.1. You are aware, from the discussions which we have had, of the grave fall in bulk and heavy traffics which has occurred, particularly during the third quarter of the year, and of the consequent effect on the Commission's revenue. From the results of the present year, so far as they are known to us, it now becomes apparent that the deficit of the Commission for 1958 will be considerably more than the amount of the 1957 deficit. This is a situation which we should face now although its final scope cannot be known for some months. I know that you agree with this. I am, therefore, writing to bring together the whole story and to present it to you comprehensively and, indeed, to summarise our own discussions
BACKGROUND
2. The forecasts given in the White Paper of October, 1956, were expressly based upon certain assumptions which are set out in paragraph 3 of the Commission's memorandum to you of September, 1956, and reproduced on page 11 of the White Paper. This stated that "throughout the review and in estimating the future margin between revenue and expenditure the Commission have, of necessity, framed their forecasts on the basis of the present value of money and a continuance of current economic conditions." The Commission have done their utmost to meet increases in costs and foreseeable declines in revenues, and thus beep within the limits of their financial plan. The serious drop in activity, particularly in heavy industry, in recent months has, however, caused a precipitous fall in the revenues of British Railways quite beyond anything envisaged when the Commission submitted their memorandum embodied in the White Paper of 1956. This is exemplified in Appendices "B" and "C" to this letter.*
THE TRAFFIC POSITION
3. The fall in British Railways traffic receipts for the first 36 weeks of 1958, by comparison with the Commission's budget estimates, is tabulated in Appendix "A" to this letter. The sum total of all railway traffic receipts for the first 36 weeks shows a decline of over £18m. (5½ per cent.) Considering the state of trade, passenger traffic is remarkably buoyant, total passenger receipts having receded by no more £1·3m. (1½ per cent.) and, wherever modernised passenger services have been introduced, there has been an improvement in the net revenue position. Total freight receipts have, however, shrunk by no less than £16·7m. (7 per cent.), The preponderance of loss is, therefore, in the freight field, especially in the case of coal and minerals.
4. The position is revealed even more strikingly in Appendices "B" and "C" to this letter, which illustrate the sudden steepening of the decline in bulk traffics during the present year. In the case of these traffics (coal, minerals, etc.) in particular, the fall in receipts is not due to diversion to other forms of transport. It would be wrong to suppose that the Commission have been the only sufferers. It is the Commission's belief that all public transport by rail, road and water, whether nationalised or in private hands, finds the present situation difficult and regards the future as a matter for serious concern.
5. In fact, the level of industrial activity in industries vital to the railways is now running below the level of 1956. There has been virtually no increase in coal production, a fall in coal imports and a large increase in un-distributed coal stocks. Consequently the tonnage available for transport has fallen when it was expected that it would rise. The railway receipts from coal class traffic provide over 40 per cent. of their total freight train traffic receipts and, in consequence, the fall in demand for coal has had a serious effect on revenue.
* Note: Appendix "B" containing graphs not reproduced in OFFICIAL REPORT.
6. The iron and steel industry is second in importance only to the coal industry in its contribution to railway freight for, in addition to the coal class traffic carried on its behalf, this industry provides about one-fifth of freight train traffic receipts. It was expected that the steady growth of the iron and steel industry would provide additional traffic receipts in the first five years of the Modernisation Plan. However, towards the middle of 1957 the output of the iron and steel industry ceased to rise. By the end of the year 1957 the decline had already begun, and in the second quarter of 1958, when consumers of steel began to reduce their stocks, there were immediate repercussions throughout the industry.
7. At the beginning of 1958, carryings of iron ore were only slightly below the 1957 level, but by the second quarter, when home ore production was nearly 20 per cent. down, and imported ore consumption in pig iron manufacture about 15 per cent. down, railway carryings showed a similar fall.
8. Scrap consumption in steel-making had fallen to some 10 to 15 per cent. below the 1957 level by the second quarter. Railway carryings have fallen by a bigger percentage because scrap accumulated at works is being used up first. Similarly, pig iron carryings were much reduced, because the fall in the tonnage requiring transport was greater than the 10 to 15 per cent, fall in production. Deliveries of semi-finished steel fell by 15 to 20 per cent. and the decline in railway carryings was broadly similar. Carryings of finished steel have declined in proportion to the deliveries to steel users.
9. The Commission also draw attention, as a matter of record, to the decline in Government traffic passing by British Railways. The total receipts from this source were £25½m. in 1956, £25m. in 1957 and at current levels the figure for 1958 is not likely to exceed £20m. Passenger and freight train traffic each account for about half of the total.
10. The severe and unpredicted fall in the level of production by the heavy industries is thus the crux of the Commission's revenue problem at this time. The fall in receipts from coal and mineral traffics alone is now at the rate of over £600,000 a week compared with last year, or at the rate of over £30m. a year.
11. Future rail carryings depend very much on the prospects of a revival of industrial activity, and especially upon the future course of events in the heavy industries. There is no indication from the industries concerned that they regard their present trading position as involving any change in their long-term planning for a steady rise in production. In these circumstances, the Commission must work upon the assumption that the present decline in these traffics is a temporary condition. calling for short-term measures.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE IN 1958
12. Early in 1958 the revenue budget proposals for that year, which in accordance with normal practice had been submitted towards the end of 1957, were carefully reviewed. As a result, the Area Boards' budgets for the Railway Regions as finally approved by the Commission were substantially revised to ensure that the Commission's net deficit for 1958 was reduced to £55m., a figure broadly in line with the forecast given in the White Paper. Since there was little scope for increases in rates and fares, this involved a reduction of some £14m. in the expenditure proposed by the Area Boards. An intensive drive was, therefore, launched through the Area Boards to effect further savings in working expenses. Action was taken to effect staff reductions, to curtail overtime and Sunday working, to reduce the wagon stock, to defer a certain amount of repair and maintenance of structures, track and vehicles without incurring an accumulation of deferred maintenance, and to curtail uneconomic train mileage.
13. Following joint discussions in May on the question of railway wages and salaries, the Commission and the trade unions reached agreement for increases costing about £10m. in a full year, on the understanding that both sides would mutually play their part in the reduction of railway working expenses. The Commission gave assurances to the Government that they would reduce their working expenses and the Government for their part undertook to increase the capital investment in British Railways in 1958 and 1959 above the restricted limits imposed in October, 1957, and to grant the Commission relief towards the maintenance of road bridges over railways. and of level crossings.
14. After allowing for the help from the Government and for selective limited increases in fares and charges, further reductions in expenditure at the rate of some £6m. a year were needed to meet the remainder of the cost of the wages agreement and were put in hand.
STEPS TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE FINANCIAL POSITION
Savings on British Railways
15. The principal steps taken to reduce expenditure on British Railways, and their results to date, are:
(a) Reduction in Staff.
The total British Railways staff in August, 1958, was 563,000, a reduction of 17,000 or 3 per cent, on the corresponding period last year; and reduction is
Average Weekly Passenger Train Miles
| |||||||
Steam
| Electric
| Diesel
| Total
| ||||
| Winter, 1957–58 | … | … | 2,660,000 | 970,000 | 358,000 | 3,988,000 | |
| Winter, 1958–59 | … | … | 2,375,000 | 950,000 | 575,000 | 3,900,000 | |
| (+) or (-) | … | … | -285,000 | -20,000 | +217,000 | -88,000 | (2%) |
There is thus a substantial saving (11 per cent.) in the steam mileage, a smaller saving in electric mileage, and an increase of 61 per cent. in diesel-worked mileage. The last-named represents mainly the continuing introduction of multiple-unit diesel trains, the greater availability and quicker turnround of which are being exploited for traffic-building purposes. Further reductions in passenger train mileage are planned.
(ii) The reduction in freight train mileage amounts to about 5 per cent. continuing. Some 60 per cent. of the annual expenditure on British Railways is on salaries and wages, and savings in expenditure are bound to be felt by the staff. The Commission, therefore, are careful to keep the trade unions informed on their financial position and on the measures in hand to correct it.
( b) Reduction in Wagon Fleet.
The total number of British Railways wagons in September, 1958, was slightly over one million, a reduction of 57,000 or 5 per cent. compared with the corresponding period last year. This process continues.
( c) Rationalisation of the System.
(i) A recent survey of current proposals for the withdrawal of passenger or freight services, or both, from particular sections of railway showed that 52 such proposals had been or were likely to be submitted during 1958, involving estimated net annual savings approaching £1½ million. This includes over £600,000 anticipated saving from the proposal to withdraw services from nearly the whole of the former Midland & Great Northern Joint Lines in East Anglia, which largely represent duplicate facilities.
(ii) During the second half of 1958 the drive for economy measures of this nature has been intensified, and there probably will have been submitted to the Consultative Committees by the end of the year the majority of the "easier" cases. New submissions will include proposals of greater size and importance, which though taking longer to examine may result in substantial financial benefits. About 35 cases of all kinds are likely to be submitted to the Consultative Committees between now and June. 1959.
( d) Curtailment in Train Mileage.
(i) To reduce passenger train mileage in cases where complete withdrawal of services from a section of line or stations was not desirable, substantial cuts in services were effected during the 1958 Summer Service. Further economies have been made in the 1958 Winter Train Service, the effect of which is:—
below last year's level. Some of this is due to falling traffics, and some of it to more economical methods of working. Every effort is being made to press home the reduction of expenditure without lowering the standard of service to traders.
16. For the first 32 weeks of the year, the Working Expenses of British Railways are estimated to be within £2m., or £½ per cent., of the revised target for that period. The effect of measures taken to reduce them is being increasingly felt, and it is expected that the working expenses for the full year will be very near to budget. This indicates that the economy measures referred to in para. 12 above are being fully applied and will be reflected in the results for the year. There is also good reason to expect that the additional steps taken under para. 14 will be reflected in the rate of expenditure at the year's end.
Other Activities
17. The Commission have also reviewed the revenue budgets for their other activities, and wherever possible savings are being made in order to improve the overall revenue position.
Increased Charges
18. A 10 per cent. increase in certain charges for merchandise traffic carried by passenger train was introduced on 1st August, 1958, giving an estimated yield of £750,000 in a full year.
19. The process of adjusting sub-standard local passenger fares throughout the country has been continuing. Beyond selective adjustments of this nature, any question of a general increase in passenger fares must necessarily await the decision of the Transport Tribunal on the Passenger Charges Scheme which the Commission lodged on 1st September.
ESTIMATED FINANCIAL POSITION
20. In the light of present traffic trends, the Commission cannot assume that there will be any material improvement in the gross receipts of British Railways during the remainder of the year. On this basis, the broad financial picture for the year 1958 may be as set out in the next paragraph, but a firm estimate of the position cannot he made for some months.
21. The target for the year 1958 for British Railways was a reduction of the deficit (after including Central Charges, mainly interest) to £55m. The shortfall in gross receipts as compared with the target of £505m. is likely to be not lees than £30m. The net receipts from the Commission's other activities are not expected to do more than cover their share of central charges. The deficit of the Commission for the year 1958 may accordingly be of the order of £85m.
22. In a situation such as this, the financial structure of the Commission has the disadvantage compared with other businesses and indeed most other transport undertakings, that the fixed interest on Transport Stock which the Commission have to pay is an expense which has to be met in full each year whatever the earnings may be; there is no equity capital which can go insufficiently rewarded or unrewarded in a bad year. It has not been possible to build up a general reserve which could be used to meet an emergency.
23. Of the £250m. of "deficit" borrowings authorised by the Transport (Railway Finances) Act 1957, £118m. has been borrowed in respect of the years 1956 and 1957. Assuming the deficit for the year 1958 to be of the order of £85m., the total borrowings in respect of the three years 1956 to 1958 (if the Commission borrow the full deficit of 1958) would amount to about £200m.
The Commission's total borrowing powers in respect of deficits may, therefore, be exhausted during 1959.
EMERGENCY CORRECTIVE ACTION
24. In these circumstances, the Commission have considered the emergency measures to be taken under two main heads, namely:—
( a) further reductions in expenditure; and
( b) increases in revenue.
Field for further reductions in expenditure
25. The Commission have directed the Area Boards to intensify their drive during the remainder of the year to reduce expenditure to meet the present emergency. The Commission intend to work towards still greater reductions in their installations, including workshops and goods terminals, and under the former heading have in hand a further review of all their facilities for maintenance and for rolling stock construction, with a view to greater concentration and co-ordination of their engineering resources. It was an integral part of the Modernisation Plan that the British Railways system should be adapted so as to provide a more compact network, capable of being fully utilised, and of doing efficiently and cheaply the things railways are best fitted to do. While it follows that some services now provided by rail will have to he performed by other means of transport, the continuation of modernisation will ensure that the economic value of the railway system as a whole will continue to improve.
Possible increases in revenue
( a) Passenger Traffic.
26. As already stated, the Commission have lodged a new Passenger Charges Scheme with the Transport Tribunal. If the Tribunal approve this Scheme, powers are not likely to be available to the Commission until early in 1959. Any general increase in British Railways passenger fares would have to be very carefully considered in the light of current market conditions: selective increases will be made where possible.
( b) Freight Traffic.
The Commission have considered the question of obtaining increased revenue from freight traffic, assessing every possibility from overall to selective increases. They consider that an overall emergency increase might yield temporary advantages only to be succeeded by permanent disadvantages. Discussions are in progress with the heavy industries to improve the revenue from certain important flows of bulk and heavy traffics. As far as possible, it is the Commission's policy to hold down their freight charges in order to encourage traffic.
MODERNISATION
27. Modernisation is itself the best way of achieving reductions in expenditure and increases in traffics. Its continuation at the present rate is an essential contribution towards making the railways pay their way.
The faster it goes, the sooner it will pay off. The stage in modernisation has now been reached when, although much planning has yet to be done, the new equipment in use is making a real impact on the pattern of service which is reflected in the revenue results. The most striking evidence is in the field of diesel traction, where over 1,000 main line and shunting locomotives are now in service; over 150 diesel main line locomotives will he in service by the end of the year. There are also over 2,000 multiple unit diesel vehicles now in traffic showing such increases in receipts over 1957 as 55 per cent. in Hampshire and 112 per cent. on Tees-side.
28. Electrification schemes are well in hand hut progress is less spectacular because of the large amount of associated engineering work on bridges, stations, signalling and communications. It is significant, however, that the electrification of the Shenfield-Southend line has virtually doubled the traffic and this, together with the experience in the Southern Region, has fully justified the suburban electrification projects.
29. Modernisation is also having an increasing effect on the standard of freight services. About 35 per cent. of the total freight train mileage is now run by trains fitted with continuous brakes, compared with 28 per cent. a year ago. Since the inception of the Export Express Service nearly two years ago, over 28,000 wagon loads of export traffic have been carried to ports without a single shipment being missed through the fault of British Railways. Freight transits generally have been substantially improved.
30. The foregoing examples are evidence that the economics of the Modernisation Plan have been soundly conceived.
CONCLUSION
31. The finances of British Railways have been struck a violent, unexpected blow, by the sharp setback in the output and traffics of coal, steel and other basic industries.
32. Having no reserves to meet such an emergency, temporary though it may be, the Commission are facing a financial crisis of gravity and urgency. The question is—what should be done about it?
33. First, the Commission want to state that nothing has happened to stultify the appreciation of the future prospects of the railways, as set out in the White Paper of 1956. In so far as new equipment has already been put into service, it has justified the claims made for it, as paragraphs 27 to 30 show. Increased flexibility in charging methods has given results more slowly than was expected, but they are beginning to mature. In the White Paper it was specifically stated that the forecasts made in it were put forward on the assumption that the general level of the national economy would stay about where it was. A severe, even if temporary, setback in those industries on which the railways are most dependent inevitably affects those forecasts. It has not shaken the Commission's confidence in their plans, nor their determination to see their plans through to success.
34. The industries with which we are most concerned are, for their part, sticking to their former plans in spite of their present difficulties. The steel industry has said so publicly. The Coal Board know that they are faced with a steady and permanent decline in the market for locomotive and household coal, but this is the coal which is hardest to mine and easiest to sell abroad. They are confident that the market for industrial coal and coke will recover. although competition from oil will take some business from them.
35. Our recommendations as to what should be done take account of these facts. They are:—
(a) Further Reduction in Costs
As is set out in this paper, much has been done during the year and the effect of the action taken will be fully apparent next year. However, we are nowhere near the end of the process of the rationalisation of our railway system. This process was an essential element in the Modernisation Plan. The kind of steps we are taking now were described in the Plan, but the process is being accelerated. Having put in hand the programme for 1958, the Commission are now preparing a programme of rationalisation for 1959. The main features will be presented to you by the end of the year. At this time I can go no further than say that we shall take as our target a reduction of £20m. per annum in addition to economies already in operation, which will yield several millions of pounds more in 1959 than in 1958.
(b) Further Efforts to Increase Revenue
The situation as regards fares and charges has been outlined in this paper. Apart from this, the drive for more business will, it is believed, bring increased results as the decentralised organisation settles down, and the commercial officers become more adroit at utilising the greater freedom which they have recently been given.
(c) Modernisation to be pushed
We remain completely convinced that by modernisation and rationalisation our railways can be made to pay their way. It is the key. Although we have been trying to go as fast as possible, we must try to go faster. Above all else we ask for the continuation of the Government's support in the prosecution of the Modernisation Plan
(d) Government Assistance
Whatever the Commission may do to help themselves in this crisis, they cannot overcome it without assistance from the Government.
36. It is not for the Commission to propose what measures should be taken by the Government to see the Commission through what they must assume, on the information available below, from the auditors whom you to them, will be only a temporary setback. The Commission clearly recognise, however, that before additional aid, even of a temporary nature, is given, the Government must be satisfied that the Commission are doing all in their power to help themselves. I have described above what we have done and what we intend to do.
37. The Commission are anxious that the Government shall be satisfied beyond doubt that the position is fairly reflected in this letter. They would have no objection to your seeking a verification of the critical points in cur presentation of the situation, as set out
| APPENDIX A | |||||||
| BRITISH RAILWAYS TRAFFIC RECEIPTS | |||||||
Aggregate for 36 weeks ended 7th September 1958
| |||||||
| 1958 | Increase or Decrease compared with Budget | ||||||
| £000 | £000 | % | |||||
| PASSENGERS | |||||||
| Ordinary | … | … | … | … | 82,711 | 1,522
| |
| Early Morning | … | … | … | … | 4,931 | 158
| |
| Season Tickets | … | … | … | … | 11,965 | 369 | |
| Total Passengers | … | … | … | … | 99,607 | 1,311
| 1·3
|
| FREIGHT (including Parcels and Mails) | |||||||
Freight Train
| |||||||
| General Merchandise and Livestock | … | … | … | … | 63,614 | 6,463
| 9·2
|
| Minerals | … | … | … | … | 31,334 | 4,790
| 13·3
|
| Coal and Coke | … | … | … | … | 85,133 | 4,561
| 5·
|
Coaching Train
| |||||||
| Parcels and Other Merchandise | … | … | … | … | 23,675 | 772
| |
| Postal Parcels | … | … | … | … | 6,723 | 145
| |
| Letter Mails | … | … | … | … | 5,164 | 4 | |
| 35,562 | 913
| 2·5
| |||||
| Total Freight | … | … | … | … | 215,643 | 16,727
| 7·2
|
| TOTAL RAILWAY TRAFFIC RECEIPTS | … | … | … | … | 315,250 | 18,038
| 5·4
|
25th September, 1958. | |||||||
below, from the auditors whom you appoint:—
( a) That the undertakings which the Commission gave earlier in the year about steps to reduce working costs of British Reailways will have been substantially fulfilled by the end of the year.
( b) That the sudden drop in coal and mineral traffic is the main cause of the present position, and that this drop is due to a fall in the traffic offering rather than to any failure by the Commission to hold their share of these traffics.
(Sgd.) BRIAN H. ROBERTSON.
| APPENDIX C | |||||||||
| BRITISH RAILWAYS: TONNAGE OF MINERALS AND COAL AND COKE CARRIED | |||||||||
Weeks ended 4th May to 7th September 1958 | |||||||||
| Week ended 1958 | MINERALS | COAL AND COKE | |||||||
| Traffic | Percentage fall on 1957 | Traffic | Percentage rise or fall on 1957 | ||||||
| Tons | Per cent. | Tons | Per cent. | ||||||
| 000 | 000 | ||||||||
| 4th May | … | … | … | … | … | 1,113 | -20 | 3,105 | -8 |
| 11th May | … | … | … | … | … | 1,024 | -20 | 2,977 | -8 |
| 18th May | … | … | … | … | … | 1,047 | -21 | 3,144 | -7 |
| 25th May | … | … | … | … | … | 1,034 | -21 | 3,097 | -10 |
| 1st June | … | … | … | … | (a) | 929 | -29 | 2,459 | -27 |
| 8th June | … | … | … | … | … | 973 | -16 | 2,969 | -7 |
| 15th June | … | … | … | … | (b) | 1,017 | -12 | 2,965 | +16 |
| 22nd June | … | … | … | … | … | 961 | -25 | 2,895 | -10 |
| 29th June | … | … | … | … | … | 1,043 | -23 | 2,864 | -14 |
| 6th July | … | … | … | … | … | 984 | -13 | 2,804 | -4 |
| 13th July | … | … | … | … | … | 996 | -23 | 2,739 | -3 |
| 20th July | … | … | … | … | … | 967 | -18 | 2,702 | -1 |
| 27th July | … | … | … | … | … | 960 | -19 | 2,027 | -23 |
| 3rd August | … | … | … | … | … | 724 | -37 | 1,526 | -29 |
| 10th August | … | … | … | … | … | 635 | -34 | 1,702 | -11 |
| 17th August | … | … | … | … | … | 913 | -17 | 2,351 | -14 |
| 24th August | … | … | … | … | … | 909 | -26 | 2,632 | -10 |
| 31st August | … | … | … | … | … | 957 | -27 | 2,638 | -16 |
| 7th September | … | … | … | … | … | 881 | -30 | 2,710 | -11 |
| |||||||||
| 25th September, 1958. | |||||||||
30th October, 1958.
Thank you for your letter of the 29th September, summing up the problems we have been discussing.
In the Government's view it would be reasonable to assume that the present phase in the economy is temporary and that a future expansion of economic activity is to be expected. The addition of a possible further £25 million to the accumulated deficit is, however, as I know you realise, an extremely serious matter, and the maximum effort will be required from all concerned with the future of the railways if it is to be put right.
The B.T.C. restates its view that a modern railway system is essential to our industrial future. I do not dissent, although as you recognise, it will have to be a more compact and efficient system than it is today. I shall look to you and your colleagues therefore to press forward with your plans for securing economies with the utmost determination. I appreciate that your 1958 financial picture is, to a large extent, due to external causes, but continued repetition would impair financial discipline and confidence in the financial future of the railways. Nor can the Government envisage an indefinite extension of the time when the Commission will break even.
The Commission have, however, made substantial economies this year, and I note that it is the Commission's intention to secure in addition further savings in working expenses of at least £20m. per annum. The Government accept that the modernisation of the railways must continue and I am glad to see your expression of the Commission's continued confidence in its eventual success. The Government have considered how the immediate position should be met and have decided that the best course would be to advance the necessary funds under the Transport (Railway Finances) Act, 1957.
The question of how to meet your future position can be considered in connection with the general question of the limits on the borrowing powers of the Commission, which is bound to arise shortly in any case.
I told you in my letter of 5th May that the Government is prepared to consider how far it might he practicable to provide for a more rapid completion of at least parts of the modernisation plan. The scale and pace of the different parts of the Plan will now also need to be looked at in the light of your proposals for speeding up economies, as well of course as in relation to the scale of public investment as a whole.
I welcome your suggestion that the Auditors whom I appoint should be asked to verify that the undertakings which the Commission gave earlier in the year to reduce working costs of British Railways will have been substantially fulfilled by the end of the year and that the main cause of the present position is a fall in the coal and mineral traffics offering rather than any failure by the Commission to hold their share of these traffics. I have, therefore, asked the Auditors to let me have their Report as soon as possible.
Harold Watkinson.
General Sir Brian Robertson, Bt., G.C.B., G.B.E., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., M.C.
Capital Investment
65.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will state the total of the revised capital investment programme now permitted to the British Transport Commission for the current year and 1959, respectively, and the amount to be allocated to British Railways in each case.
In September, 1957, the British Transport Commission's capital investment programme was set at £170 million for 1958 and 1959. From these amounts £145 million was allocated to British Railways in each year. In May, 1958, the total was increased for the two years together, by an extra £25 million for British Railways. Consideration is now being given to the possibility of additional capital investment in 1959.
Civil Aviation
Boeing 707 (Noise)
60.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what representations he has received from the London Airport Local Authorities Consultative Committee, or from individual local authorities or from local residents' associations, regarding the excessive noise caused by the Boeing 707 aircraft; and what steps he has taken to meet complaints made by the above bodies.
I have received written representations from seven local bodies, including the London Airport Consultative Committee. These were borne in mind in deciding the operating conditions for the Boeing 707 at London Airport, which I have already described. My right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary will attend the meeting of the London Airport Consultative Committee on 13th November when this subject will be on the agenda.
Shipping
Laid-Up Vessels
50.
asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many vessels are laid up in United Kingdom ports and estuaries; how many of these are oil tankers, and how many are dry cargo vessels; what tonnage they represent; how the position today compares with the same period last year: and what steps are being taken to bring these vessels into commission again.
At the end of September, 1958, British and foreign ships laid up in United Kingdom waters for lack of employment amounted to 251 ships of 1,464,503 gross tons compared with 40 ships of 190,400 gross tons a year previously. Forty-five ships of 376,900 gross tons were tankers and the remainder dry cargo. While the Government is watching the position closely, any steps taken to bring these vessels back in commission again is a matter for the commercial judgment of the owners.
Ministry Of Defence
Thor Missiles
66.
asked the Minister of Defence in what respect the arrangements for the control and operation of Thor intermediate range ballistic missiles supplied by the Government of the United States of America to Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom differ from those set forth in Command Paper No. 366.
There has been no change in the arrangements set out in Command Paper No. 366.
Washington Talks
67.
asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on his recent talks in Washington, particularly in relation to the agreement to exchange atomic energy information for mutual defence purposes.
My talks in Washington with the United States Secretary of Defence ranged over the whole field of defence policy. They underlined the need for continued support of N.A.T.O. and other regional alliances and the value of close Anglo-American co-operation in dealing with situations such as the recent emergency in the Middle East. We devoted much time to an examination of the new possibilities for co-operation in weapon design, opened up by the amendment of the American Atomic Energy Act. We reviewed the progress made in the exchange of nuclear information between our experts and considered how we could make the most effective use of our joint resources. This will be a continuing process, in which we shall have much to give as well as to receive.
Transport Aircraft
68.
asked the Minister of Defence whether he has now arrived at a decision on the policy for the provision of transport aircraft for the Services.
The policy remains as stated in the last two annual White Papers on defence.
Forces, Germany
69.
asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's new decision with regard to the strength of British forces to be stationed in Germany and the factors which led to this change.
Earlier in the year we offered to maintain 55,000 troops in the Rhine Army throughout 1959, provided the foreign exchange problem could be got over. Since then there has been a marked strengthening of Britain's balance of payments position. In the light of this, Her Majesty's Government have decided to maintain the British Army of the Rhine at its present strength of 55,000 men until the end of 1959.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
71.
asked the Minister of Defence what new North Atlantic Treaty Organisation bases he has agreed should be established in this country.
None.
72.
asked the Minister of Defence if he is aware of the public disquiet regarding overstaffing in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the rate of expenditure of public money by that organisation; and what steps he is taking to allay this disquiet.
73.
asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a statement on the reports he has received from the British military missions accredited to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on the military policies and structure of the Organisation; and what action he proposes to take to bring these under review.
Any views which may be expressed to us by British members of the N.A.T.O. staff are, of course, confidential. In the headquarters of an Alliance, each of the allied countries wants, as far as possible, to make its voice heard and to keep in touch with developments at all levels and in all branches. This naturally results in bigger staffs than would be thought necessary in a purely national headquarters.Subject to that qualification, we shall, through the appropriate N.A.T.O. machinery, do everything we can to promote efficiency and economy in the Organisation.
Oman
74.
asked the Minister of Defence what military action has been taken against Oman and for what reason; and what are the British losses.
No military action has been taken against Oman, which is part of the friendly State of Muscat and Oman. On the contrary, we have, as the House knows, been assisting the government of the country to restore order in that area. One Army officer and one Royal Marine were killed in ambushes. In addition, there have been two deaths due to accidents and one to illness.
Cyprus (Service Wives And Families)
76.
asked the Minister of Defence if he will state the number of Service wives and children living in Cyprus on 1st November, 1958, and the number that have proceeded there since July, 1958, excluding those returning after temporary visits outside the island; and whether the ban imposed in July, 1958, on Service families proceeding to Cyprus is to be continued.
There are now some 13,000 wives and children of Servicemen in Cyprus: four members of families have gone out there since July. The ban on further families proceeding to Cyprus remains in force. We shall from time to time consider, in the light of the situation, whether any change in these arrangements, one way or the other, is called for.
Cyprus (Nato Discussions)
79.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent discussions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation concerning the future of Cyprus.
I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend gave on 3rd November to my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. P. Williams), and to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in the House yesterday.
Egypt (Interned British Subjects)
81.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects are interned in mental hospitals in Egypt; and what steps have been taken to bring back the 17 British subjects in the Abbassieh Mental Hospital, Cairo.
The total number of British subjects known to be in mental hospitals in Egypt is seventeen. All are in the Abbassieh Mental Hospital, Cairo. Many, perhaps all, are to be brought to the United Kingdom, and administrative details are now being worked out.
Sudan (Assistance)
82.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arms are being made available to the Sudan Government; and what other assistance is being contemplated.
Our military assistance to the Sudan is described in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Windsor (Sir C. Mott-Radclyffe) on 31st October. Her Majesty's Government have not been asked for, nor have they offered, direct economic assistance.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what military and economic assistance has been, and is to be, given by the United Kingdom to the Sudan.
Our military assistance to the Sudan is described in the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Windsor (Sir C. Mott-Radclyffe) on 31st October.The gift of arms will of course help the Sudanese economy considerably by making possible the diversion to other objects of funds which would otherwise have had to be spent on defence. But Her Majesty's Government have not been asked for, nor have they offered, any direct economic assistance.
United Nations
Chinese Representation
83.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements he has made to give publicity to the Government's declared intention of supporting China's admission to the United Nations; and what success has been achieved.
Her Majesty's Government recognise that the question of Chinese representation in the United Nations is one which will have to be taken into account in any long-term settlement in the Far East and that it will in due course have to be considered by the General Assembly. For the time being, however, their view remains that to press the issue in face of the present deep divisions of opinion in the United Natons would do more harm than good.
South Africa
87.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the United Kingdom Delegate on the Special Political Committee of the United Nations spoke and voted against the resolution proposed by 31 States, including Ceylon, India, and Pakistan, which called upon all member-States to bring their policies into conformity with their obligations under the Charter to promote the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and why the United Kingdom delegate did not make it clear that Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the majority of the British people are opposed to policies of racial discrimination.
The United Kingdom representative in the Special Political Committee intervened in the debate on the resolution to which the hon. and learned Member refers to point out that in discussing the policy of the Government of the Union of South Africa towards its own citizens the General Assembly was exceeding its legal competence and violating Article 2 (7) of the Charter. On 21st October the United Kingdom representative voted against the resolution for the same reason. In his statement he pointed out that the United Kingdom vote against the resolution did not imply any opinion on the internal policies of the Union of South Africa.
Compulsory Jurisdiction (British Reservation)
86.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further consideration Her Majesty's Government have given to the terms of the reservation notified to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 18th April, 1957, whereby they withdraw from the sphere of compulsory jurisdiction disputes relating to any question which, in the opinion of the Government of the United Kingdom, affects the security of the United Kingdom or any of its dependent territories; and whether he will now make a statement on this matter.
We are still considering this matter. I regret, therefore, that I cannot at present add to what I said on the subject on the 30th July.
South-East Asia And Straits Of Formosa
84.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will publish a White Paper stating exactly United Kingdom commitments in South-East Asia and obligations by treaty with the United States of America in both the South-East Asia zone and in the Straits of Formosa.
Our only defence commitments in South-East Asia are those contained in the Manila Treaty for Collective Defence in South-East Asia (South-East Asia Treaty Organisation) and the Agreement on External Defence and Mutual Assistance with the Government of the Federation of Malaya. The texts of these agreements have already been published as White Papers (Com- mand 265 and Command 263, respectively).As regards the second half of the Question, the United States Government are a co-signatory of the Manila Treaty. Her Majesty's Government have no treaty obligations in respect of the Straits of Formosa, which are outside the area covered by the Manila Treaty.
Quemoy And Matsu
85.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what modification of the policy of Her Majesty's Government, with regard to Quemoy and Matsu, has occurred since the Government statement of 15th February, 1956.
There has been no modification of the policy of Her Majesty's Government in this matter. As my right hon. and learned Friend made clear in the Foreign Affairs debate on 30th October, our position regarding these islands remains as explained in 1955, and repeated in the statement of 15th February, 1956, to which the hon. Member refers. At the same time we repudiate, now as in 1955, the use of force in any attempt to change the present de facto status of the islands.
Exchanges Of Scientific, Educational And Cultural Information
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what reciprocity exists between Great Britain and the United States of America and Russia, respectively, for the exchange of scientific and educational and cultural information and personnel; and what efforts have been made, during the last six months, to effect, maintain, and develop such reciprocity.
There is and always has been a complete natural reciprocity in personal exchanges and the flow of scientific, educational and cultural publications between this country and the United States. These exchanges, where appropriate, receive active encouragement from Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government.Her Majesty's Government, desiring that the same situation should prevail between this country and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, proposed to the Soviet Government in April that intergovernmental talks should be held on various aspects of freedom of information. The Soviet Government refused and the scope for exchanges is thus limited. With-in this limited sphere, however, reciprocal exchanges in the educational, cultural and scientific fields are arranged by the Soviet Relations Committee of the British Council, which was set up for this purpose in 1955 at the request of Her Majesty's Government and the scale of these arrangements has increased in the last six months. Reciprocal exchanges of scientific publications have recently been intensified.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the reports received from the British Missions accredited to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on the policies and structure of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and what action he proposes to take to bring these under review.
My right hon. and learned Friend receives full and regular reports from the United Kingdom permanent representative on the North Atlantic Council and, as the right hon. Member knows, my right hon. and learned Friend attends the Council himself from time to time. The state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is periodically reviewed by its member Governments, including Her Majesty's Government. No special measures to this end are required.
Territorial Fishing Limits
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present position of the international dispute about territorial fishing limits in north European waters, indicating in particular how many and which nations are now involved in it, and the nature of their respective claims; and what particular steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to resolve the dispute by submission of it to the Court of International Justice or to a conference of the European Maritime Nations concerned or by other means.
The only dispute about fishing limits in North European waters of which Her Majesty's Government are aware is the current dispute with Iceland. Seven Governments, including that of the United Kingdom, are known to have protested against the unilateral action of the Icelandic Government in seeking to establish exclusive fishery limits beyond the extent permitted by international law.My right hon. and learned Friend recently suggested in the General Assembly of the United Nations that the issue should be submitted to the International Court, but there has not yet been any response from Iceland.
Employment
Sunderland
88.
asked the Minister of Labour how many men and how many women were unemployed in Sunderland at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with a similar date 10 years ago.
2,659 males and 1,074 females at 13th October, 1958, compared with 2,634 males and 705 females at 11th October, 1948.
Employment Exchanges (Staff)
90.
asked the Minister of Labour what was the total staff employed in employment exchanges on 1st January, 1958, 1st July, 1958, and the latest convenient date.
The total staff in employment exchanges was 13,415 at 1st January, 1958, 14,528 at 1st July and 15,203 at 1st October.
School Leavers
89.
asked the Minister of Labour what is the total number, on the latest date for which records are available, of boys and girls, respectively, who left school this year and are unemployed
It is not possible to identify school leavers separately, but on 13th October, 1958, 4,342 boys and 2,549 girls who were registered as unemployed were recorded as having no previous employment. Most of them probably left school this year. These figures, however, would not include any of this year's school-leavers who might have obtained employment but since become unemployed.
North-Western Region
91.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, of the increase in unemployment over the last 12 months, 25 per cent. has occurred in the north-western area; and what steps he proposes to take to ameliorate this situation.
Yes. Two-fifths of this increase is accounted for by workers, mainly in the cotton industry, who were temporarily stopped on the day of the count. The proportionate increase in wholly unemployed is less than for the country as a whole. My local officers are making every effort to find alternative employment for those that need it.
Oldham
92.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the increasing difficulty of providing employment for school leaving children in the Oldham employment area; and what steps he proposes to take to find work for them.
I am informed that almost all those who left school in July have found employment, and I consider that the position in Oldham in this respect is satisfactory.
93.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is no special provision for the employment in the Oldham area of persons so disabled as not to be fit for ordinary employment but not sufficiently disabled for acceptance by Remploy; and what steps he proposes to take to assist them.
My disablement resettlement officers make every effort, both in the Oldham area and elsewhere, to help disabled persons who do not need employment under sheltered conditions to find other work suited to their capabilities. These efforts will continue.
Redundancy
94.
asked the Minister of Labour to what extent it is his policy to encourage the sharing of available work by agreement between workers and management in cases where otherwise there would be progressive redundancy.
This is a matter for decision by the firms concerned according to the circumstances of each case. I would, however, urge employers to give their workpeople as much notice of their intentions as possible.
Shipbuilding And Ship-Repairing (Safety Regulations)
95.
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement regarding the revisions of the safety regulations in the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry, and, in particular, with regard to their extension to cover work-people employed on ships in wet docks and harbours.
My right hon. Friend intends to publish a statutory draft of special regulations covering shipbuilding and ship-repairing in shipyards, harbours and wet docks before the end of the year.
Industrial Disputes Order
96.
asked the Minister of Labour what representations he has received from the National Union of Journalists concerning the abolition of the Industrial Disputes Order; and what reply he has made.
I have had a letter from the National Union of Journalists expressing concern at the ending of the Industrial Disputes Order. I have replied that on the question of "issues" I think there may be scope for further talks and that I have invited the parties represented on my National Joint Advisory Council to consider this aspect.
Strikes
97.
asked the Minister of Labour how many days have been lost in strikes during the last conveniently recorded period in nationalised and private industry, respectively; and if he will give the main ascertained reasons for and groupings of these strikes.
An analysis of working days lost in 1957 in these two groups of industries, by cause, is not immediately available, but I am having a special extraction made and will write to my hon. Friend.
Isle Of Sheppey
98.
asked the Minister of Labour how many persons were registered as unemployed on the Isle of Sheppey at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the corresponding period last year.
345 at 13th October, 1958, compared with 195 at 14th October, 1957.
Epping And Ongar
asked the Minister of Labour how many persons from the parishes of the Epping and Ongar rural district within the Chigwell Parliamentary constituency were registered as unemployed at the Brentwood Employment Exchange at the latest convenient date, and at the corresponding date a year ago.
The statistics available relate to employment exchange areas. Ongar rural district comes within the area of Brentwood Employment Exchange, where 193 persons were registered as unemployed at 13th October, 1958, compared with 131 at 4th October, 1957. Epping rural district comes within the area of Epping Employment Exchange, where 49 persons were registered as unemployed at 13th October, 1958, compared with 46 at 14th October, 1957.
Chigwell
asked the Minister of Labour how many persons from the Chigwell urban district were registered as unemployed at the Buckhurst Hill Employment Exchange at the latest convenient date, and at the corresponding date a year ago.
The available statistics relate to employment exchange areas and Chigwell Urban District is in the area of the Buckhurst Hill Employment Exchange. The number of un-
| NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF THE UNDERMENTIONED EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES AT 16TH SEPTEMBER, 1957 AND 15TH SEPTEMBER, 1958 | |||||||||||
| Employment Exchange (including Youth Employment Office where appropriate) | 16th September, 1957 | 15th September, 1958 | |||||||||
| Men | Boys | Women | Girls | Total | Men | Boys | Women | Girls | Total | ||
| Hayes | … | 95 | 37 | 32 | 25 | 189 | 168 | 43 | 47 | 26 | 284 |
| Southall | … | 82 | 17 | 53 | 14 | 166 | 159 | 19 | 67 | 8 | 253 |
| Harrow | … | 190 | 58 | 158 | 19 | 425 | 372 | 110 | 240 | 46 | 768 |
| Uxbridge | … | 63 | 21 | 50 | 9 | 143 | 139 | 39 | 54 | 21 | 253 |
| Feltham | … | 82 | 15 | 36 | 20 | 153 | 104 | 30 | 39 | 28 | 201 |
| Hounslow | … | 169 | 26 | 72 | 19 | 286 | 229 | 30 | 115 | 34 | 408 |
| Ruislip | … | 81 | 12 | 49 | 7 | 149 | 109 | 23 | 38 | 13 | 183 |
| Staines | … | 100 | 21 | 96 | 23 | 240 | 199 | 39 | 132 | 36 | 406 |
| Wembley | … | 181 | 5 | 72 | 5 | 263 | 271 | 49 | 95 | 26 | 441 |
employed persons on the register of that Exchange was 206 at 13th October, 1958, compared with 125 at 14th October, 1957.
Scotland
asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the recent rise in unemployment in Scotland cannot be accounted for on seasonal grounds; and if he will specify the steps to reduce it which he has taken during the last four months, and is now taking.
I am aware that in Scotland, as in the rest of Great Britain, the recent increase in unemployment is not entirely due to seasonal causes. My local officers are doing all that they can to assist those unemployed persons by submitting them to vacancies notified by employers, and I am also in constant touch with my colleagues about Scotland's need for employment.
Unemployment
asked the Minister of Labour what number of males, females, and juveniles, respectively, were without work in September, 1957 and 1958, as recorded by the employment exchanges of Hayes, Southall, Harrow, West Drayton and Yiewsley, Feltham, Hounslow, Ruislip, Staines, and Wembley.
The following table gives the information desired so far as it is available. The West Drayton and Yiewsley Office is now only a part-time Outhouse of the Uxbridge Employment Exchange and separate figures are not available.
Royal Navy
Mediterranean Fleet
99.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what proportion of the present Mediterranean fleet is to be retained in this area under this country's North Atlantic Treaty Organisation commitments; and what provision is being made for the repairs and fitting of this fleet when the Admiralty dockyards at Malta are transferred to a commercial undertaking.
I am afraid I cannot disclose details of N.A.T.O. war plans. As regards the second part of the Question, until the end of 1960, Malta will continue to be used for warship repairs. After this date, ships deployed in the Mediterranean will be refitted at Gibraltar or in home dockyards, although Malta dockyard, under its new commercial management, will continue to do some naval repair work for at least a number of years and would be available in an emergency.
Ford Aerodrome, Sussex
102.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Government have yet disposed of Ford Aerodrome, Sussex; and for what purpose.
The Royal Naval Air Station, Ford, was closed to flying on 24th September, 1958, but the premises will not be vacated until the end of December. We are now proceeding with its disposal in accordance with the normal procedure.
Shipbuilding
Orders
100.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what have been the number of orders placed with British shipbuilders and the amount of tonnage ordered during this year, as compared with the number and amount for the corresponding period last year.
Ninety new orders, totalling approximately 360,000 gross tons, as compared with 204 new orders, totalling approximately 1,665,000 gross tons, during the first nine months of 1957.
101.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the tonnage of orders placed so far this year with north-east coast shipyards; and the tonnage of orders with such shipyards which have been cancelled during the same period.
Approximately 150,000 gross tons of new orders. During the same period licences totalling approximately 175,000 gross tons have been cancelled.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware of the slump in British shipbuilding; if he will state the causes of this; and also what steps he is taking in Scotland and England, respectively, to remedy this state of affairs.
There has been a considerable decline in orders received by British shipyards this year, and some orders have been cancelled. However, in terms of launchings the industry has produced more gross tonnage this year than last, and still has an order book of nearly 5¾ million gross tons, although the situation is becoming serious in those yards which have no appreciable backlog of orders.The decline in new orders is accounted for by the current recession in world trade generally, depressed freight rates, and the consequential laying up of merchant tonnage, and applies to a varying extent to all major shipbuilding countries. We must look to an improvement in world trade to bring about a recovery in ordering. Meanwhile every effort is being made to increase the competitive power of the industry including more modernisation and re-equipment of the shipyards.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty how many new orders for ships have been placed with British yards in the first nine months of 1958; how many have been placed in the north-east; and how many cancellations there are in these two groups.
Ninety new orders totalling approximately 360,000 gross tons, of which 15 new orders totally approximately 150,000 gross tons were received by north-east coast yards. In the same period, 25 licences totalling approximately 260,000 gross tons were cancelled of which 17, totalling approximately 175,000 gross tons were from north-east coast yards.
Launchings
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the total tonnage of shipping launched in the United Kingdom in the first nine months of this year; and how this compares with the same period last year.
Approximately 961,000 gross tons as compared with 905,000 gross tons during the first nine months of 1957, representing an increase of approximately 6 per cent.
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the total tonnage of shipping launched in the north-east in the first nine months of this year; and how this compares with the same period last year.
Approximately 455,000 gross tons as compared with 394,000 gross tons during the first nine months of 1957, representing an increase of approximately 16 per cent.
British Army
Forces, Cyprus (Rations)
103.
asked the Secretary of State for War whether sanction has now been given to an increase of rations for Her Majesty's forces in Cyprus.
Yes. The increase is intended to relieve special difficulties of catering. It is being given to men on operations and to those who, because of the emergency, are living in temporary or overcrowded camps. The supplement now in force has increased the basic ration scale by about 14 per cent.
Churchill Barracks, Ayr
104.
asked the Secretary of State for War if a decision has yet been made regarding the future of Churchill Barracks, Ayr; and if he will make a statement.
It has been decided to use Churchill Barracks as a depôt for the combined regiment of the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the Highland Light Infantry until new quarters for the Lowland Brigade have been built at Edinburgh in about five years time. So far as can be foreseen, Churchill Barracks will then be available for disposal.
Hutments, Richmond Park
asked the Secretary of State for War by what date he anticipates it will be possible to improve the amenities of Richmond Park by removing the group of temporary wooden hutments occupied by various sections of the Women's Royal Army Corps.
I cannot yet give a date but it is our intention to move out of the camp in Richmond Park as soon as permanent barracks are ready for the present occupants.
Post Office
Letter Box, Willenhall
106.
asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make provision for a letter box at The Square, New Invention, Willenhall, where there is much demand from local residents for this facility.
I am sorry, but for the reason given in the letter sent to the hon. Member on 25th August, I should not be justified in providing this additional box.
Wireless And Television
Reception, Berwickshire
107.
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is prepared to install a satellite transmitter to improve the television reception experienced in certain areas of Berwickshire.
The B.B.C. are mindful of the poor reception conditions in Berwickshire and in other parts of the country. They are considering plans for the installation over the next two years of a limited number of low-power satellite television stations. Until I have studied these plans, I cannot say when Berwickshire will have a station.
Subliminal Advertising
108.
asked the Postmaster-General to what extent he has been consulted under Section 4 (5) of the Television Act, 1954, about the use of subliminal advertising by the Television for South Wales and the West of England contractors; and how far this form of advertising conforms to his approved rules.
Subliminal advertising would be contrary to the first paragraph to the Second Schedule of the Television Act. There has been no reason, therefore, for consultation or direction under Section 4 (5) in this respect. The Authority has been assured by Television for South Wales and the West of England that the "keep watching" sign was transmitted at speeds at which it could be plainly seen, and that in any case the use of the message ceased on 21st October. The Authority also informs me that subliminal transmissions in any form are prohibited in its programmes, with the possible exception of some scientific programmes in which subliminal techniques would be openly examined.
Colour Television
109.
asked the Postmaster-General whether the British Broadcasting Corporation are now free to develop colour television; and what steps will be taken to get agreement on standards which will permit our manufacturers to have access to world markets.
The B.B.C. have completed a series of tests in colour and have reported to the Television Advisory Committee. That Committee, which includes members of the Radio Industry, has not yet reported to me. I have asked it to do so as quickly as possible. The right hon. Member will, however, appreciate that there are many technical problems associated with the introduction of colour. It would be a pity to embark on expenditure on expensive colour equipment before these have been settled.
Medical Research
Road Accidents And Alcohol (Report)
110.
asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he is now in a position to publish the terms of the Report by the Medical Research Council concerning road accidents and alcohol.
A paper giving the results of the experimental work conducted under the auspices of the Medical Research Council on the effect of alcohol upon the skill of drivers of motor vehicles has already been published in the British Medical Journal on 25th October, 1958. A more detailed presentation of the methods used and the data upon which the conclusions are based will be published by the Council in due course.
Local Government
London Rate Equalisation Scheme
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, if he will make a statement about the London Rate Equalisation Scheme under Section 10 of the Local Government Act, 1948.
At my request the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee have reviewed the operation of the existing Scheme; and they recommend its replacement by a new one. The main feature of their new proposal is the pooling of 70 per cent. of the expenditure of the Metropolitan Borough Councils and the City Corporation, subject to a control in respect of increases in expenditure, to transitional arrangements for four years, and to special treatment for the City's planning expenditure. I have these proposals under consideration, in consultation with the local authorities.
Caravan Site, Egham
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will make a statement about the situation at the caravan site at Royal Hythe Farm, Egham.
This caravan site is run by a company known as Modern Trailer Homes Ltd. The Company, or persons connected with it, have been running caravan sites in the same neighbourhood since March, 1955, at all times without planning permission, and in defiance of repeated attempts by the local authority to enforce the law against them. They have taken full advantage of the opportunities for delay in the enforcement provisions of the Town and Country Planning Acts, by moving the caravans from site to site and by repeated applications for planning permission and subsequent appeals to the Minister.
All these appeals were dismissed because the land in question is part of the green belt round Greater London, which the Surrey authorities have rightly made every effort to preserve. It is no use refusing to allow house-building on such land, if large numbers of caravans are allowed to establish themselves on it instead. In Surrey there are several thousands of caravans on authorised sites; a limit must be set at some point, or the green belt will steadily disappear.
Caravans were first placed on land at Royal Hythe Farm (which adjoins land previously used by the operators) in January, 1957. Warning notices had already been erected by the Egham Urban District Council outside the entrance to the site, explaining that it had not been approved as a site for caravans. In spite of these the number of caravans there rose to 156. Application for planning permission for the use of the site for caravans was made on the day on which the first caravans moved on to the site. It was refused. An appeal was then made to me. It was dismissed in July, 1957. Planning permission was later sought to put the caravans on another part of Royal Hythe Farm. This also was refused, and a further appeal against this decision was dismissed in April, 1958.
In view of all the circumstances, the Urban District Council applied to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General for his consent to the institution of proceedings in the High Court in his name for an injunction restraining the operators from using as a caravan site any land within the urban district without prior planning permission. My right hon. and learned Friend gave his consent and the proceedings were instituted.
The injunction sought was granted by the High Court on 5th June, 1958. The then Lord Chief Justice said that the history of the case showed that the defendants—namely, Modern Trailer Homes, J. S. C. Smith and Beatrice Pearlberg—intended to hold the Town and Country Planning Act at defiance as far as they could by repeatedly moving from one field to another, or from one part of the farm to another, applying for permission which they knew they would not get appealing to the Minister and each time getting a fresh public inquiry, held, in order that they could gain extra time during which they could retain caravans on the site and take the profits. He said that the defendants' actions showed an intention to use the machinery of the Planning Acts not for the purpose of making genuine applications for permission, but for the purpose of delay. He accordingly granted the injunction. The time allowed by the High Court for removing the caravans in compliance with the injunction expired on 5th October, 1958. As that date approached, the company applied for and obtained from the County Court orders for possession against the occupants of the 70 or so caravans still there; some 80 out of the original total of 156 had left, having presumably found alternative accommodation. The orders for possession expired on 1st October but have not far been executed, because of the resistance of the caravanners. A few more of the caravans have now gone, but I understand that some 59 remain. From their first arrival it must have been clear to the caravanners themselves, because of the warning notices erected by the Urban District Council, that the use of the land for caravans was not authorised. Nevertheless it is Modern Trailer Homes Ltd. and the other defendants in the High Court proceedings who must bear the main responsibility for the present difficulties.
The first and most important requirement now is that the law should he obeyed and the caravans removed from the land in compliance with the order the High Court.
At the same time I am anxious, as everyone must be, to avoid serious hardship to the occupants of the caravans.
The Surrey County Council have stated their willingness, as welfare authority, to provide temporary accommodation at a camp near Godalming for the families concerned. In addition, I have informed the County Council that, in the exceptional circumstances, it is in my view desirable to make an alternative site temporarily available to which those families who wished could go with their caravans; and that arrangements can he made, with the agreement of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply, for some Government-owned land at Childown Hall in Chertsey Urban District, some six miles from Egham, to be made available for this purpose. I have asked the County Council whether they would be prepared to make this site ready and manage it. I have also informed the Chertsey Urban District Council of this proposal, and asked for their views. I have explained to the authorities that any arrangement to use this land at Childown Hall would be a temporary measure to meet the exceptional situation, and would be solely for caravanners from Royal Hythe Farm who could not immediately make other arrangements. It might also be possible to provide temporary storage on this site for the caravans of any families who preferred to accept accommodation in the camp near Godalming.
By these means the injunction of the High Court can be quickly complied with, and none of the caravanners now there need be without a place to take his caravan.
Trade And Commerce
Cotton Industry
asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his figure for optimum employment in the cotton industry; and what steps he proposes to take to achieve this optimum figure.
My right hon. Friend has no optimum figure in mind. He is anxious that the cotton industry shall provide the maximum employment compatible with maximum efficiency.
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that the present crisis in the Lancashire cotton industry is partly due to diminution of stocks due to the credit squeeze, he will lend the aid of his Department to a campaign for the sale of British cottons.
Such a campaign has already been launched on behalf of the industry by the Cotton Board. The Board of Trade is always ready to give the Cotton Board any help it can.